The transfer speculation has surrounded the trequartista for several months, particularly with strong links to Juventus after the Confederations Cup performances.

“I know that nobody is ever completely off the market in football, but I wish to point out Diamanti is not leaving here,” Guaraldi told La Gazzettadello Sport.

“We had decided to take into account any offers that came in before the start of pre-season training, but now that work has begun for the new season I can confirm he’s staying at Bologna.

“Therefore Diamanti will remain our captain for this season too.”

Bologna played their first friendly of the summer on Saturday, crushing Bolzano 11-0. Rolando Bianchi and Marti Riverola bagged a hat-trick each, while LazarosChristodoulopoulos, Luca Veratti, Francesco Della Rocca, DavideMoscardelli and ArchimedeMorleo were also on target.